MARTIN Poste is aware Northwich have entered a crucial part of their campaign and tipped his new recruits to shine.

Blacks visit Wilmslow this weekend buoyed by beating Firwood Waterloo last time out, when prop Tom King impressed on his debut after switching from Chester.

Martin Balshaw has also filled a vacancy created by an injury to captain Chris Dale.

“Those boys have made a big difference,” said the director of rugby.

“They’ve played at a higher level previously, and it shows.

“We’ll need to rely on that know-how as well during what is a pretty hellish run of fixtures in the weeks to come.”

After a trip to fifth-placed Wilmslow on Saturday, Northwich are then scheduled to play the rest of the North One West table’s leading teams before the turn of the year.

They start that sequence in second spot following a narrow 20-17 win against relegated Waterloo.

“They’re probably the most illustrious club to have visited Moss Farm,” said Poste.

“Mind you, some of my boys weren’t even born when they were at their peak so I’m unsure they appreciated what they achieved last weekend as much as the coaching staff.

“They know it was a big win though, and we’re in a good position right now.”

Wilmslow have lost four of their past five league games, including a 29-17 reverse at improving Warrington last Saturday.

They will also remember a 36-29 reverse against Northwich after a thrilling encounter back in March.

Poste added: “They’re coming off a bad run, and we go there in optimistic mood.”

Kick-off is at 2.15pm.